At its 24th Annual Symposium, Working for a Greener World, the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) presented Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center (SVLRC) with its Corporate Lands for LearningSM (CLL) certification. This certification is part of 134 total certified programs for Waste Management (WM) at 116 sites company-wide.

"Wildlife Habitat Council members continue to raise the bar for conservation success. We connect corporations, conservation, and community to create habitat and increase biodiversity. The programs being honored today are the best examples of our model at work," said Margaret O'Gorman, WHC President. "Congratulations to Waste Management's SVLRC for its successful efforts towards habitat enhancement and biodiversity."

The Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center's CLL program first achieved certification in 2010 and obtained re-certification this year acknowledging SVLRC's commitment to its habitat protection program and educational outreach efforts in the surrounding communities.

"Waste Management is honored to receive this WHC re-certification in recognition of the continued success of our environmental efforts," said Lisa Hemenway, community relations representative for Waste Management. "Our partnerships with WHC engages our team and our community in wildlife enhancement and land stewardship initiatives that prove to be a valuable experience for all."

The program provides an outdoor environmental education experience in which students of all ages, scouting groups and community members can learn about the importance of pollinator habitat conservation and explore native plant communities. Visitors can hike a nature trail, which features a viewing station that overlooks five habitat types, and visit the pollinator garden, which contains educational signage about butterflies, bees, and other wildlife.

This year's certifications also helped WM continue to surpass one of its corporate-wide sustainability goals set for 2020. In 2007, WM pledged to preserve and restore 25,000 acres of wildlife habitat across North America. The company achieved this goal in 2010 and now has more than 28,000 acres. WM also committed to have at least 100 of its facilities with WHC certifications. With the addition of this year's certifications, the company has surpassed this goal.

"Waste Management first began working with WHC because our employees wanted to get involved and this organization helped us do that," said Waste Management President and CEO David Steiner. "Our relationship has turned into one that truly benefits Waste Management and its communities. Through the WHC programs, we feel we are making a difference as a trusted and valued partner to our customers and communities."

Waste Management has been working closely with WHC since 2000. In 2008, the company was the first recipient of the organization's William W. Howard CEO Award recognizing the company's efforts in conservation, education, and outreach efforts. To read more about each program, please visit http://www.wm.com/wm/community/whc/in...

The SVLRC is one of 270 sites recognized at the 2012 Symposium for a Wildlife at Work program. In addition, 57 Corporate Lands for LearningSM (CLL) programs were recognized, reaching thousands of learners from schools and scout groups to master gardeners and university researchers. Since 1990, WHC has certified 665 Wildlife at Work and 147 CLL programs worldwide. The certification program recognizes outstanding wildlife habitat management and environmental education efforts at corporate sites, and offers third-party validation of the benefits of such programs. Certification requirements are strict and require that sites apply for periodic renewal.

To learn more about SVLRC's habitat protections program or schedule a tour, please visit www.KeepingVenturaCountyClean.com or contact Lisa Hemenway at (805) 581-1746.

This story is contributed by a member of the community and is neither endorsed nor affiliated with Ventura County Star.